**He Jia Tuan Yuan Tofu Ball Soup: A Symbol of Family Reunion and Prosperity for Lunar Chinese New Year**
As the Lunar Chinese New Year approaches, families across the globe prepare delectable dishes to celebrate this joyous occasion. Among these culinary delights, He Jia Tuan Yuan Tofu Ball Soup holds a special place, symbolizing family reunion, harmony, and prosperity. This heartwarming soup features tender tofu balls, each representing a family member, swimming in a flavorful broth brimming with auspicious ingredients. The soup is a testament to the enduring bonds of family and the hope for a prosperous and harmonious new year. This article presents two variations of this classic soup: the traditional recipe and a vegetarian version, ensuring everyone can savor this symbol of unity and good fortune.
HE JIA TUAN YUAN (TOFU BALL SOUP FOR LUNAR CHINESE NEW YEAR)
On Lunar Chinese New Year, we usually like to have meatballs or sweet dumplings. Ball in Chinese is 'wan,' sweet dumpling in Chinese is 'tang yuan.' Their shapes are both round. So we use a meatball dish and/or sweet dumpling dish to emphasize the Chinese expression 'He Jia Tuan Yuan.' 'He Jia' means the whole family. 'Tuan Yuan' means 'all be together' ('yuan' also means circle, round as well, which connects with the shape of the meatballs and the sweet dumplings). This tofu ball dish is easy to make, and it is a great soup for your Lunar New Year meal.
Provided by Tao,RN
Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Soup Recipes
Time 45m
Yield 5
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Place the tofu into a large bowl, and mash it into a paste with a large spoon. Stir in the pork, cornstarch, egg, 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules, and 1 teaspoon salt until the mixture is very well combined.
- Heat the water and vegetable oil to a boil in a large saucepan, and reduce heat to an active simmer but not a full boil. Using gloved hands, pinch off about 1 tablespoon of the tofu mixture, roll it into a ball between your palms, and slide it carefully into the water so it doesn't break apart. Repeat with the rest of the tofu mixture. Without stirring the soup, let the tofu balls simmer until they rise to the top, about 30 minutes.
- Turn off the heat, and stir in the dried shrimp, pea vine shoots, 1 teaspoon of chicken bouillon granules, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Serve hot.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 239.3 calories, Carbohydrate 11.7 g, Cholesterol 70.3 mg, Fat 15.3 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 14.5 g, SaturatedFat 4.3 g, Sodium 786.1 mg, Sugar 1.6 g
CHINESE SOUP WITH TOFU
I am not sure where we found the original recipe but we have adapted it to be a household favorite! This is a mild but flavorful soup that goes well with spring rolls for a lighter meal.
Provided by MajKaj
Categories Soy/Tofu
Time 45m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- In a large pan, saute the carrots, onion, ginger and garlic in oil until onion is tender.
- Add the water, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While soup is simmering, prepare tofu. Remove excess water and slice tofu into three large slabs. Fry in oil until both sides are browned. Drain on a paper towel. Cut tofu slabs into 1/2 inch cubes.
- After soup has simmered for 15 minutes, add tofu cubes, bok choy, cabbage and snow peas. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Tips:
- Soak the dried shiitake mushrooms in hot water for at least 30 minutes. This will help to rehydrate them and soften them.
- Use firm tofu for the soup. This will help the tofu hold its shape and not break apart.
- Press the tofu before adding it to the soup. This will help to remove excess water and make the tofu more firm.
- Add the tofu to the soup last. This will help to prevent it from overcooking and becoming tough.
- Serve the soup hot. This will help to keep the tofu warm and prevent it from becoming rubbery.
Conclusion:
He Jia Tuan Yuan Tofu Ball Soup is a delicious and festive soup that is perfect for Lunar Chinese New Year. The soup is made with a flavorful broth, tender tofu balls, and a variety of vegetables. It is a hearty and satisfying soup that is sure to please everyone at your table.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love